Imagine working tirelessly for a dream, only to discover the game might be rigged. That’s the unsettling reality swirling around the Miss Universe 2025 pageant, as accusations of manipulation have led to high-profile resignations just days before the finale. This isn’t just about beauty; it’s about fairness, integrity, and the values this global platform is supposed to represent.
The drama unfolded after weeks of simmering controversy. Remember the uproar when Miss Universe Thailand director Nawat Itsaragrisil was caught on camera seemingly scolding contestants? And the alleged insult hurled at Miss Universe Mexico, Fatima Bosch, calling her a “dumbhead” (which he denies, by the way)? These events, already casting a shadow on the competition, now appear to be just the tip of the iceberg.
Two judges, former Chelsea football star Claude Makelele and renowned composer Omar Harfouch, have dramatically stepped down from the judging panel. But here’s where it gets controversial… Harfouch isn’t just quietly exiting; he’s alleging that the entire competition might be rigged!
According to People magazine, which cited conversations with Harfouch, Princess Camilla di Borbone delle Due Sicilie, the president of the Miss Universe selection committee, has also reportedly withdrawn, although she hasn’t publicly confirmed it yet. This could be a major blow to the pageant’s credibility.
Harfouch took to Instagram to explain his decision, claiming a “secret vote” was conducted to pre-select the top 30 contestants. “This vote was conducted by individuals who are not recognised members of the official judging panel, including at least one person with a personal romantic relationship with a contestant,” Harfouch stated, adding that this constituted “a clear and serious conflict of interest and may qualify as collusion and manipulation of an international competition.” Talk about throwing down the gauntlet!
And this is the part most people miss: Harfouch didn’t just resign; he issued a stark warning to past and present judges, suggesting their participation in the jury could “legally implicate them in an act of global-scale fraud.” A serious accusation indeed!
A day later, Claude Makelele announced his own departure, citing “unforeseen personal reasons.” While his statement was more diplomatic, acknowledging the pageant’s representation of “empowerment, diversity, and excellence,” he also expressed his hope to contribute in the future “under better circumstances.” It seems even those who aren’t directly accusing the organization of wrongdoing are sensing something is amiss.
The Miss Universe Organization has responded to Harfouch’s explosive claims, denying the existence of any “impromptu jury.” They claim the individuals in question were part of its Beyond the Crown Program – “an independent social impact initiative designed to promote leadership, service, education, health, inclusion and meaningful support for charitable causes.” According to the organization, this program operates entirely separately from the Miss Universe competition and the official judging panel. But does this explanation truly address the concerns raised, or does it feel like a carefully worded deflection?
Miss Universe 2025 is still scheduled to take place in Thailand on November 21st. Will these allegations be addressed before the final show? Will the pageant be able to restore its image and regain the trust of its contestants, viewers, and sponsors?
Here’s a question for you: Do you think the Miss Universe Organization’s response is sufficient? Could this controversy permanently damage the pageant’s reputation, or can it recover? And ultimately, does the focus on beauty and competition overshadow the organization’s stated goals of empowerment and social impact? Share your thoughts in the comments below!